First of all, congratulations to my friends and mentors, Brad Castillo and Phil Gonzalez, who ran the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Thanks to modern technology I was able to watch Philly cross the line after he kneeled and prayed at the site of the first explosion at last year’s race. About an hour later I watched coach Brad kiss the finish line, which he didn’t get to cross last year because the bombs exploded when he was a half-mile shy of it. What an amazing moment!

If you see Benny Madrigal around town, congratulate him on his personal record of 2 hours and 35 minutes. What a remarkable accomplishment for Madera’s own, who got to compete in running’s most celebrated race.

Shift gears to what is sure to become Madera’s most celebrated race, the Second Wind 5K, happening Saturday. More than 200 people are registered for Madera’s first timed 5K (3.1-mile) run, and we’re expecting many more signups at packet pickup on Friday and on race morning…